The Norris School District utilized a competency-based learning model to allow learners to move through school at their own pace and receive academic credit for skills learned.

At Norris Academy, we recognize that learning occurs when there is a system of priority competencies, clear, scaffolded learning goals, formative assessments, specific on-going feedback and the opportunity for learners to apply and reflect in order to guide their learning toward deeper levels of understanding.

• Learners need to understand the relationship between their current level of understanding and the desired level of understanding

• Learners need to be able to think critically about their own work

• Learners need to take risks and apply new learning that results in the development of new skills and deeper learning

• Learners need a learning team network that provides opportunties to learn followed by supported times for opportunities to practice, apply and respond

Competency-based assessment is not just about developing new skills, rather defining the competency levels at different stages of expertise. This helps the learners gradually progress from novice to expert.

Upon enrollment, all learners complete a comprehensive diagnostic assessment where strengths and needs are identified.  At the completion of the diagnostic assessment, learners confer with their learning specialists to identify relevant courses to match core skill needs and personal interests.  Plans and Pathways are co-designed to support learners in attaining skills necessary to pursue learning and career opportunities that lead to a productive life with a satisfying career.

Each course that learners enroll in has an identified set of priority competencies and corresponding success criteria that show what students need to do at each level for advancement in skill and understanding.   

If you want to be successful, don't seek success - seek competence, empowerment; do nothing short of the best that you can do.

~Jaggi Vasudev

Learners may be promoted from fourth to fifth grade or from eighth to ninth grade if they satisfied at least one of the three sequential district academic performance criteria for promotion.

1.     Attain basic or better on the state assessments in math and reading.

2.     Demonstrate evidence of proficiency in grade-level math and reading competencies.

3.     Successful completion of an intervention/promotion plan.

4.     The final decision regarding grade promotion rests with school officials.

In order to complete a course, and for high school learners to earn credit for the course, learners need to: 

1.    Successfully apply skills and knowledge at a self-defined pace along a progression of identified learning  goals related to the priority competency.

2.     Demonstrate proficiency with identified competencies within a course.  High School credit will be attained as evidence of understanding is demonstrated at a rate of 

The Norris School District utilizes a competency-based learning model to allow learners to move through school at their own pace to demonstrate proficiency related to skills learned.  Each course that learners enroll in has an identified set of competencies and a corresponding competency pathway that shows what students need to do at each level for advancement.